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I never thought my dad’s death would influence my career path. But because of him, five people received the “Gift of Life” – and I ended up with a purpose.

When I was a junior in high school, I was in marching band. I was blessed to have parents who were my number one fans – always helping out the band when they could and supporting me. After winning grand champions at our first competition of the season, my dad found me, gave me a huge hug and told me that he loved me and was proud of me. The next morning, my dad suffered a brain aneurysm that ruptured, and despite all the best efforts of medical staff at a local hospital, he died the following day.

When my mother was asked about donation, she included my brother and me in the decision process. This occurred in 1999, before the Ohio Donor Registry was created. We had never discussed donation together as a family, so we were unsure of my dad’s wishes. Honestly, it was challenging to make the decision at the time because we were facing an unexpected tragedy.

My dad was a “Renaissance Man.” He could do just about anything – help me with my chemistry lab, build a shed, install windows, roast a delicious ham, you name it. He loved being outside, fishing and hiking. And he was well known for being the first to step up and offer help when needed. Why not add “saving lives” to the list of things he could do?

We decided that he would want to continue to give after his death. He did so by donating his heart, kidneys, pancreas and liver. He saved five lives on Sept. 20, 1999. His gifts to others were also gifts to me and my family. We are comforted by the fact that through his death he gave life to others and we are grateful that he has the legacy of a hero.

Inspired by my dad, I began promoting donation on campus at The Ohio State University and started the Students for Organ Donation group. And, on the 11^th anniversary of his donation, I began working as the Community Education Coordinator for Lifeline of Ohio.

I now serve as Lifeline of Ohio’s Chief Quality and Compliance Officer, working to ensure our teams are equipped and our processes are in place to honor the donation decision of so many generous donor heroes and their families.

Through my work, I’m able to share my dad’s story, and hopefully it inspires others to give the ultimate gift – the gift of life. It is my personal mission to educate people and encourage them to sign up as organ, eye and tissue donors in the Ohio Donor Registry and talk to their families about their decision.